Description
Chili Tot Bake is a hearty and comforting casserole combining flavorful ground beef chili, kidney and pinto beans, topped with crispy golden tater tots. This easy-to-make dish bakes in the oven to create a perfect family-friendly meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 pounds lean ground beef (93% lean)
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped finely
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
Beans and Tomatoes
- 1 15-ounce can dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 15-ounce can of pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- ⅓ cup tomato paste (about half a 6-ounce can)
Spices and Herbs
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup chicken broth with less sodium
- 1 28-ounce bag of crispy frozen tots
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 425°F. Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Warm the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and stir for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink. Drain any excess liquid.
- Add Spices and Tomato Paste: Stir in tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, thyme, and oregano. Cook for a few minutes to blend flavors.
- Add Beans and Liquids: Mix in kidney beans, pinto beans, chicken broth, and crushed tomatoes. Stir well, bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from heat.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the meat and bean mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Spread frozen tots evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until tots are crispy and golden.
- Add Cheese and Cilantro: Remove casserole from oven, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and chopped cilantro on top if using, then return to oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.
Notes
- Use mostly lean ground beef to reduce fat but retain flavor.
- If preferred, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a milder taste.
- Frozen tots do not require thawing before baking; they bake nicely from frozen.
- Cheddar cheese and cilantro are optional but add extra flavor and garnish.
- Letting the casserole rest helps it set for easier serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
